For Long, the show is on the court

Freshman gets his basketball rush from playing, not watching it on TV

Published 8:53 pm, Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Siena freshman forward Lavon Long would rather play basketball than watch it on television. Really, he'd rather not turn the channel to basketball at all.

"Every time I watch it, it makes me want to play," Long explained. "And if I'm in a room watching it and I can't play it, it gets me anxious for no reason."

Oh, one other thing: "Also, it's just not interesting, really."

Siena teammate Rob Poole can testify that Long is serious. Poole said Long is a fan of "Adult Swim," the late-night programming on Cartoon Network.

"It's weird," Poole said. "In the hotel, put basketball on, he's trying to put it on like cartoons or something like that. Lavon's a different cat. He's a different guy."

Long, a solid 6 feet, 6 inches and 234 pounds, said he gets "an adrenaline rush" on the court that tuning into ESPN just can't replace.

"Everything's moving fast, and you've got to think on your feet," he said. "You've got to outplay the other team. It comes down to your pride and integrity, and that's what I pretty much enjoy about the game."

That enjoyment was on display when Long scored all 16 of his points in the second half, matching his career high, and grabbed nine rebounds in a pivotal victory at Rider on Sunday. For that, he was voted Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week for the first time this season.

His all-out style of play could serve Siena well when the Saints meet bruising Quinnipiac at 8:30 Thursday night in Hamden, Conn. It's a rematch of a game that Siena lost 103-95 in overtime Feb. 1 after blowing a nine-point lead with 3:16 left in regulation.

Siena was whistled for a program-record 40 fouls, and Quinnipiac made the most foul shots (47) in a Division I game this season.

"I'm definitely excited," Long said. "I know we can beat them. It was a close game. It was just a few things down the stretch that we didn't do. So I'm excited, plus I like physical teams. It's a lot better. It's more competition."

The Saints (13-16 overall, 9-9 MAAC) would clinch the No. 5 seed and a first-round bye in the MAAC Tournament by defeating the Bobcats and then Monmouth on Sunday at Times Union Center. Siena enters the final two games of the regular season tied with Rider for fifth, with Marist just a game behind in sixth.

More Information

Siena vs. Quinnipiac

When: 8:30 p.m. Thursday

Where: TD Bank Sports Center, Hamden, Conn.

Web/radio: ESPN3/1300 AM

Siena is in this position partly because of Long, a lefty who is averaging 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds. He's had a solid rookie season despite fouling out 10 times, tied for second in the nation in Division I.

Siena coach Jimmy Patsos drew a surprising comparison when he likened Long to the volatile Metta World Peace, the NBA forward formerly known as Ron Artest. However, Patsos made it clear he was referring to their versatile games, not their temperament.

"(Long) just does a little bit of everything," Patsos said. "He just helps you win the game. He can play (point guard) through (power forward)."

He's also not afraid to go into the stands for a loose ball, which Long did, diving over the courtside seats in a win over Manhattan this past Friday.

Two days later, Long was scoreless with two fouls at halftime against Rider. Patsos made note of that on the blackboard in the locker room, which fired up Long.

"I didn't like that," Long said. "It was motivation ... just to say, 'I'm coming out here. I'm going to score.'"

Off the court, Patsos and Long are more likely to discuss movies than moving screens.

"Lavon is real cool to coach," Patsos said. "He's an interesting guy. He has a lot of other interests besides basketball. I enjoy that."